The Friends of Holland Park

Minutes of the AGM 2008

[The AGM followed a welcome by the President and Chairman of the Meeting, Sir Angus Stirling, the Artex prize-giving and a Special General Meeting to adopt a revised constitution of the Friends of Holland Park, see below.]

1. Minutes of the AGM of 28.3.07: approved.

2. Chairman's Report for the year 2007 (Nicholas Hopkins): the irrigation ring main had been completed. Lighting for the tiles under the cafeteria arches would soon be installed. The Adventure Playground had been expanded to allow a new area for toddlers. Wall-hangings for the cafeteria were likely to be made by pupils at Holland Park School. The tree seats by the High Street entrance were proving popular. The booklet "Notable Trees in Holland Park" had been produced. Ian Thomson continued his Bird & Nature Walks. The future of the Commonwealth Institute site was undetermined; the new developer owners were including the Friends in their local consultations. The Council was preparing a fresh planning application for the rebuild of Holland Park School, after the previous planning consent had been called in by The Secretary of State. Quadron Services had been granted a 12-year contract, and Plantstuff an extension to its licence. Mr Hopkins described the meetings structure and the social events of the year.

3. Treasurer's Report: a Report of the Trustees incorporating accounts and the Report of the Independent Examiner had been circulated. Half of the figure for Donations was accounted for by an individual donation. Events in 2007 had raised ca £9,000 against ca £7,500 in 2006. Interest for 2007 was higher due to improved rates. The assets of ca £55,000 were reduced from ca £61,000 in 2006 due to expenditure on projects.

4. Election of the Independent Examiner: Leslie Du Cane was re-elected.

5. Secretary's Report: Mrs Wood said there were at present 870 paid-up members: 120 more might still pay when reminded. 60% paid by banker's order and 60% used Gift Aid. Of 105 new members in 2007, 65 were due to leaflet drops. Mrs Wood thanked all helpers of FHP. There had been 75 artists exhibiting this year against 61 last.

6. Election of the Committee: all existing members were re-elected except Rob McManus, co-opted during the year, who had decided not to continue. Andrea Walker and Nigel Brockmann were elected as new members of the Committee.

7. Chairman's outlook for the year 2008: the Park's management hoped to open up the enclosed arches previously used for serving ice cream. Due to the Friends' activity work was being undertaken to conserve Holland House and to landscape the terrace before opening it to the public. The Friends would continue to monitor plans for the Park closely. It was planned to improve the Friends' website. Rosemary Baird had given a talk on Baroness Holland in February. The October event was still to be decided, but the Tallis Chamber Choir was booked for the Christams Concert. Mr Hopkins invited Friends to volunteer for the Committee and to recruit new members.

8. Comments and any other business: John Rae asked if a visit by the Friends could be arranged to the Ilchester Family's house in the country, and if Rosemary Baird could be encouraged further to write a booklet about the Holland House residents. Sandra Franklin complained about the increasing lack of tranquillity in the Kyoto Garden. Philippa Kennard-Bent said she thought the latest sculpture in the Napoleon Garden hideous. The Meeting agreed.

9. Close of official business: Sir Angus Stirling declared the Meeting closed at 8.30pm with thanks to FHP Chairman, Nicholas Hopkins.

[Summer 2008]

Minutes of the Special General Meeting of 12 March 2008 in the Orangery, Holland Park

1. Welcome by the President: the President, Sir Angus Stirling, welcomed all present and drew their attention to the proposed new constitution and explanation, both of which had been circulated to all Friends in advance of the Meeting. The explanation mentioned, among other things, that a new constitution was required partly because of a new Act of Parliament, the Charities Act 2006. All those present also had on their seats a copy of the special resolution which was to be voted on at the Meeting. The President pointed out a small typing error in the revised constitution: the word "of" after "protection" in Part 1, Clause 3, The Objects (1) was superfluous and should be deleted.

2. Special resolution to adopt the revised constitution: the President invited those present to suggest amendments or ask questions. There were none. With a show of hands the Friends present voted unanimously in favour of the resolution and of adopting the revised constitution.

3. Close of official business: the President closed the Meeting warmly thanking Mr David Jeffreys, the Hon. Assistant Treasurer, for his work in producing the revised constitution.

The resolution follows these minutes.

Resolution

IT IS RESOLVED THAT

(1) The proposed Constitution entitled "CONSTITUTION OF THE FRIENDS OF HOLLAND PARK" circulated to members in advance of this Special General Meeting (and as amended at this meeting) is adopted to replace the existing Constitution.

(2) The Constitution as adopted shall come into effect at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of 12 March 2008.

IT IS NOTED THAT in adopting the proposed Constitution the Friends of Holland Park have exercised the statutory power of amendment under the Charities Act 2006 with particular reference to clauses 10 and 11 of the existing Constitution.

[Summer 2008]